Bloodshot Eyes Postpartum

Updated: May 22, 2018

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You've had bloodshot eyes before — but never like this. Here's what happened to your eyes postpartum and what you can do.

Burst blood vessels underneath and inside your eyes after you give birth can make you look like you've gone 10 rounds in the ring. And you have! But take heart in knowing that many women have bloodshot eyes postpartum, and this symptom is very temporary.

What causes bloodshot eyes postpartum?

Bloodshot eyes mainly occur when you push with your face instead of your lower body during labor and delivery.

What you need to know about bloodshot eyes postpartum

Yes, your eyes look a tad scary — but they'll be better in a week or two. And your baby thinks you're gorgeous, no matter what!

What can you do about bloodshot eyes postpartum?

There are some things you can do about your bloodshot eyes while you're waiting for this symptom to subside:

Apply cold compresses several times a day for 10 minutes at a time to help speed recovery.

If you must face your public, channel your inner paparazzi-dodging celeb and sport a pair of glam sunglasses.

And rest assured that this is another very temporary postpartum symptom, a reminder of what a trooper you were during labor and delivery!

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect the First Year. Health information on this site is based on peer-reviewed medical journals and highly respected health organizations and institutions including ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), as well as the What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff.

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What to Expect When You're Expecting, 5th edition, Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel.